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    Helen's Kitchen

    4.1 (52 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Helen's Kitchen Photos

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    HELEN'S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Helen's Kitchen

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    Vegetable Soup with Beef
    William N.

    I was getting an oil change and a brake job at the Subaru dealership and needed to walk somewhere for breakfast on MLK day. Helen's was open and close so I decided to check them out. Waitresses were friendly and you can seat yourself (good if you're looking to space out due to COVID precautions). The menu was standard American diner fare and the prices were pretty low - $5.50 for a club sandwhich with a generous portion of fries, a biscuit for 80 cents. The only thing that warranted the removal of a star was the buiscuit - they brought out the flattest biscuit I have ever seen. I had to double check the calendar to make sure that it wasn't Passover and that I hadn't gotten some unleavened bread. I expected something else in the south. It tasted OK but be forewarned! I paid $3.50 for the soup of the day, a big bowl of hearty vegetable soup with beef. They serve Pepsi products and it is by the can (no free refills). I brought in my own Coke Zero (I came prepared for the dealership with my own stash) and rather then tell me that they didn't allow outside food or drink, the waitress asked me if I'd like a glass for for my Coke Zero. That was unexpected and much appreciated, I've forgiven them the Passover biscuit and added a bonus star. 4.5 / 5, give them a shot.

    Pork chops
    David T.

    Went here for breakfast with my old man as we have done many times before getting our haircut at Toneys down the way. I'll begin with the walk in. The place is always packed. You go in and I've always been greeted nicely and told to sit anywhere I'd like. One day I'm going to sit with a random person. Lol. I like being able to choose where I sit. The inside could definitely use a make over but it is always clean. The bathrooms need a make over as well but again, they are always clean. All of the items on the walls tell a story and make you wonder what all those stories are. The staff, I've not met one yet that wasn't exceptional. They always smile and seem to be happy to be there. I like the fact that they all seem very comfortable with every customer and know many by name. Now to the great part, the food! I had two eggs scrambled and well done. Bacon. Sausage Pattie's, the home potato's, two biscuits, and French toast. To be fair, this is my usual meal minus the French toast. The food always seems very fresh and cooked well. It always comes to the table hot and I'm always excited about that first bite. My dad had what I had plus pork chops from the grill. He stated that they were pretty good but a bit tough. It didn't stop him from eating it all. Lol. As for the French toast, I was a tad disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was good. I think it could use a bit more cinnamon and some powdered sugar. It was prepared really good and I enjoyed it, but not as much as I could have. I'd give five stars easily, but the French toast and needs for upgrades are needed. Thanks for what you all do here because you make many people happy.

    Courtney G.

    Helens is great place to have home made southern foods. They serve breakfast and lunch and the staff was very nice and did not have you wait a long time at all to get your food. They have a variety of specials daily and they all sound amazing! You can get a simple breakfast, sandwiches, meals and seafood plates for pretty good price.

    Grits, scrambled eggs, and liver pudding.
    Urs M.

    Simple food in an unassuming plaza on US-17 north. Honestly, if you're not a local, you'd have no idea it was there. I would have walked by it if my mother hadn't opened the door in front of me. It's a sit wherever joint. Mom always sits in the back, but I wanted to sit closer to the door. Our waitress came up to the table and my mother introduced me. Wow! Had no idea my mother was well known in the area. There's a lot of history on the walls. Plenty of family photos and smart-ass sayings on the wall. I peeped a sign that said "Keep Your Hands Off Of The Waitress." ... Yep. Lots of history alright. They're open during breakfast and lunch, but their entire menu is available. I really wanted the fried flounder special ($8.50), but it was breakfast time and that calls for eggs. Decided on two poached eggs with the ribeye and a side of potatoes and white toast (they only offer that and wheat). The menu said the ribeye was four ounces... It was definitely more like two, but I was just impressed by how they managed to cook a thin slice of meat to my desired temperature: medium. It wasn't burnt and was seasoned nicely. Pretty good stuff. The eggs were good and the potatoes were okay. Had to douse them in ketchup. My toast was chewy and on the cold side, so the whipped spread didn't melt. Just what I expected for $7.75. Mom ordered some liver pudding, scrambled eggs, and grits with grilled biscuits on the side. This the same dish she gets every time. Creature of habit. I tried the liver pudding and it was really good. She wasn't happy about the biscuits not being as hard as they usually are, but she ate them with plenty of jelly. Our bill came to $16. Alright for breakfast. Would definitely go to again for quick and cheap eats.

    That's a lot of omelette
    Stephanie G.

    There's NO COUNTRY COOKING HERE! Save yourself from the frozen junk this place sells. The waitress even informed us as we ordered the food that the juice was cafeteria style like the ones with the foil pull back top. The hash browns were a square frozen block. The pancake is powder and they put water in it and stir. Coffee creamer was curdled as I poured it in my chipped coffee cup. If I had wanted a refill that wasn't happening. Biscuits tasted like they were mixed with rubber cement. EGGS weren't even good. How can the eggs be gross...??? I wasn't expecting much for Jacksonville but dang this topped the cake. I just don't get it. FALSE ADVERTISING AT ITS FINEST. Ramsey would tear this place down. On the bright side you can save the patties and go hit the rink.

    Good country ham, red-eye gravy, and coffee.
    Bill G.

    I hope they rebuild after the fire. I live a couple of hours away, but try to get down for breakfast at Helen's Kitchen several times a year. One of my visits was just a few days after the fire. What a disappointment to pull up into the parking lot and have no one there. I came back maybe a month or so later and still closed. But, I love the country ham breakfast here. I love their flat biscuits with red-eye gravy and a couple of sunny side up eggs and the sliced potatoes. Coffee is good too. Just a great, repeatable breakfast, over and over again.

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

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    6 months ago

    No Veterans discounts on Veterans Day. Not even a free cup of coffee. Disappointing. Hope their food is better than there love of country.

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    6 months ago

    I absolutely love Helen's Kitchen. Very friendly staff and great food! I would highly recommend!

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Always love it homemade biscuits are the best, dinner specials are not high price my family loves it

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Friendly staff and great food! The biscuits and gravy were flavorful and peppery! A great little local spot for a filling breakfast!

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    2 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food is good and reasonable priced. The people are friendly . The atmosphere is family oriented

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    My wife and I eat breakfast here every Saturday morning! Always fantastic food, service, and people!!

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    So friendly and nice little place to stop for breakfast ... the breakfast is great! Reminds me of a back home mom and pop breakfast diner

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Great food! Just like grandama would make. Great sweet tea. Love the chicken and dumplings.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Helen's Kitchen

    Have they reopened after the fire?

    Yes. I was there the other week.

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    Southern Harvest Soul Food - Blueberry Walnut Muffin & Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffin

    Southern Harvest Soul Food

    4.5(108 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    Southern Harvest Soul Food - 3 out of 5 stars…read more I hate to be the guy who leaves bad reviews, especially after giving a place multiple chances, but this was unfortunately the last straw for me. I drove nearly an hour to get to this restaurant, excited to try the oxtails. Upon arrival, I was told they were no longer being served because they were out. This marks the third time I've driven there specifically for oxtails and was unable to get them due to being out of stock. This wasn't late in the afternoon either--I arrived right at lunch opening. I know what some of you are thinking: why not call ahead? You're absolutely right. That mistake is on me, and I've definitely learned that lesson. On a previous visit, I tried the shrimp and grits, and I'll give credit where it's due--they were actually phenomenal and easily the best thing I've had there. Unfortunately, my other experiences haven't matched that quality. The last time I visited, I settled for the brisket burrito. While sweet and savory can work together, this one was overwhelmingly sweet and just didn't hit the mark. I also asked for a Diet Coke and was told they only had Sprite, regular Coke, and water, which was surprising. My wife ordered the biscuits and gravy, which had almost no flavor. For a southern soul food restaurant, that was pretty disappointing. I don't plan on coming back. I'm not mad--just disappointed. I hope this review helps others avoid making a long drive expecting a specific dish only to find out it's unavailable.

    The food was delish, I had the shrimp and grits well seasoned a decently size portion and all…read moreingredients blended well together. My daughter had the sausage n biscuits she said they were well made , a bit salty and spicy but overall pretty solid. The service was adequate we did not have to wait long for our food, the ambiance was nice on a chilly day was warm with wam music and delicious smells. We will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Southern Harvest Soul Food - Inside

    Inside

    Southern Harvest Soul Food - Everything bagel with Breakfast Turkey Sausage

    Everything bagel with Breakfast Turkey Sausage

    Southern Harvest Soul Food - Front of the restaurant

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    Front of the restaurant

    Flavor Hills

    Flavor Hills

    4.0(235 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Ambiance 5/5…read moreDefinitely brunch vibes with decor reminds me of Atlanta or NYC with all the Insta backgrounds and photo opps. Very floral and inviting. Love to have more local spots versus the franchise trends in the area. Service 5/5 Really attentive service even with Saturday morning crowds weekend before Christmas. Booked reservations via Open Table because this place gets really busy. Food 5/5 We got classics fried chicken with waffles and French toast. Fried chicken was flavorful batter and they do provide sides of ranch and hot sauce by request. But pretty pricey for the amount of food considering the Onslow County area. Inflation is real. Also have a seasonal cocktail menu, we got the caramel mimosas which were pretty small again considering price. Definitely nice brunch spot in Jacksonville coming up considering growing up here and this use to be a Scholtsky's Deli. I forgot I was in Jacksonville. Hope to try more items on future when I'm back in town.

    This place was a lot better than I even expected. Service was amazing, everyone was friendly and…read moreseveral servers checked on us and filed our drinks. The bar tender had a great smile and greeted us as soon as we stepped in. The hostess had the mostess! The blackened salmon was amazing! Cooked to perfection and topped w crab ( yummy) and lobster! The crab fries were bomb- even the Cajun sauce on top was delicious. Just enough- not too much cuz I hate over sauced and soggy food. The brownie was really good- not too sweet and topped with raspberry and caramel sauce. Had to ask for more sauce because there was hardly any on it . Plus it was a little over done and couldn't eat the sides because they were way too hard- but it was huge and I didn't feel cheated at all! Definitely going again and again!

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    Flavor Hills
    Flavor Hills - Menu at flavor hills checking in

    Menu at flavor hills checking in

    Flavor Hills - Salmon

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    Salmon

    The Kettle Diner - Baked sweet potato

    The Kettle Diner

    4.0(289 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    I think most people know this is a fine diner -- my review will just be another one singing the…read moreKettle Diner's praises. Located in a relatively convenient spot from anywhere in the Jacksonville area, the restaurant has lots of room for customers, and so I've often found a table even in some of the traditionally busier times of day. The food and the service are always reliably great. Omelets, pancakes, French toast, and even hash browns (which, in most other diners, along with their fellow traveler in undesirability, grits, are best avoided), are far better than most other diners. A lot of thought, care, and, presumably, serious on-the-job training must go into the food. The efficiency and dependably rigorous quality are not surprising in a military town. If you're visiting from elsewhere, you will be humbled by the atmosphere, at certain times, when the young service members are having meaningful, hushed meals with their beloveds. Thinking of the hard work, brutal training, and potential life-threatening danger that such absurdly young looking people are enduring will make your worries about mice in the garage, smudged eyeglasses, and forgetting your travel pillow feel awfully insignificant and trivial. Unless you're a fleshly flaneur like me, in which case, a travel pillow and a heating blanket, are still pretty nice. Service is fast and just the right amount of attentive and friendly. On my most recent visit, Elaina was particular kind and efficient.

    Great food, friendly wait staff. Cute diner vibe. Able to carry one a conversation without excess…read morenoise.

    Photos
    The Kettle Diner - Menu

    Menu

    The Kettle Diner - Breakfast Tacos

    Breakfast Tacos

    The Kettle Diner - Master Cheese Burger with fries.

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    Master Cheese Burger with fries.

    Ducks Grille & Bar - Charcuterie Board

    Ducks Grille & Bar

    4.0(374 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Another truly outstanding experience at Duck's Bar and Grill…read more From one business owner to another, I have a deep appreciation for what you're doing here. Everything--from the atmosphere to the execution--is top tier. But what really sets you apart is your attention to detail and genuine care for your customers. Our waitress tonight, Kaila, was absolutely phenomenal. She picked up on something most people would overlook--I don't use straws--and brought my drink without one, without me even having to ask. That may seem small to some, but to me, that level of awareness and intentional service speaks volumes. It's those little things that create unforgettable experiences and separate good businesses from truly great ones. Kaila absolutely crushed it tonight, and it's clear your team is operating at a very high level. Keep doing what you're doing--you've built something special.

    Had a small work dinner tonight with three people…read more Our server was attentive and friendly. I had the blackened beef tips and pasta. I could taste no blackening seasoning and the portion of meat in the pasta was incredible light. A colleague had the shrimp and grits and he said they were really good. My third colleague had the weekly special - pesto ziti. He said the meatballs were good, but the rest of the dish lacked flavor. The inside of the restaurant is divided into two with a large bar / lounge area that looked inviting. The dining side was comfortable, but dated. I would absolutely give them another try next time I'm in Jacksonville.

    Photos
    Ducks Grille & Bar - Nice atmosphere

    Nice atmosphere

    Ducks Grille & Bar - Small house salad

    Small house salad

    Ducks Grille & Bar - Tomahawk, baked potato, onion rings & asparagus dinner for 2

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    Tomahawk, baked potato, onion rings & asparagus dinner for 2

    First Watch - CORNBREAD was great

    First Watch

    4.1(173 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$
    Casual dining
    Gluten-free friendly

    While waiting in the area we came here for breakfast. They weren't too busy for a Monday and we…read morewere seated promptly in a large booth. After being seated our server arrived and asked for our beverage preference. Once she returned with our drinks, we were ready to order. I ordered the Parma Hash with a side of turkey sausage and an extra egg. After a short wait our food arrived and presented well. We slowly enjoyed our meals over conversation. The hash browns, eggs over medium, vegetables, and toast were all great. The eggs were done perfect for me. I always enjoy cutting the eggs over the hash so it gets covered with yolk. So good! We were seated in the back near the kitchen which we thought was great. The restaurant itself is nice with great decorations. Really well done for the theme of the restaurant. We'll continue to eat here on occasion.

    This place was sooo good! I decided to stop in and place an order to go since they were busy. The…read moreyoung lady that took my order was super friendly. While waiting for my order, there was no place to sit. Luckily the wait wasn't too long because my food was brought out in about 10 minutes. Once I arrived to my destination, I noticed that my food was still hot. The strawberry tres leches French toast was amazing. The pancakes were huge! The pesto chicken power bowl was great!!! I can't wait to return to this place. I was so pleased with my meal that it's a must that I return!! If you're in the Jacksonville/Camp Lejeune area, I highly recommend!!! *edited to adjust typos!*

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    First Watch
    First Watch - Socal Breakfast Hash

    Socal Breakfast Hash

    First Watch - 2 for 2!

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    2 for 2!

    Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

    Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

    3.3(171 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    The employees that work there are so kind and always go out of their way for you. The food is…read morereally good when you're missing mom's home cooking.

    Over the years, I've learned that sometimes it's better to leave a review like this than to make a…read morescene, even though that's honestly what I wanted to do. I ordered a late breakfast for my family to go, paid through the app, and even left a tip. I went inside and waited in the to-go order line. It was busy, which I understood. There was one gentleman in front of me. A staff member briefly stepped away from another customer, asked him his name, told him his order wasn't ready yet, and then went back to helping the previous customer. Another employee appeared to be resolving an issue with a different guest. Once he finished, I politely asked if I could grab my order since I saw it sitting on the shelf and confirmed that I had already paid. He said yes. As I was checking the bag to make sure everything was there, the to-go worker (who I assume handled those orders) spoke to me rudely and asked what I was doing. I explained, and she then shoved my drinks toward me and immediately turned to help the customer behind me, very politely, while I still needed assistance. I was missing plasticware, syrup, and butter. When I asked for them, she gave them to me rudely. I stayed polite, smiled, and left. Once I got to the car, I realized my husband's food was missing entirely

    Photos
    Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
    Cracker Barrel Old Country Store - $15 worth of food

    $15 worth of food

    Cracker Barrel Old Country Store - ‍$21.43, missing the parmesan bread that didn't come with it.

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    ‍$21.43, missing the parmesan bread that didn't come with it.

    Helen's Kitchen - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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